How to Undervolt GPU

You should be aware of potential hardware problems if you enjoy playing video games. Although these problems may not be serious, you shouldn’t ignore them. 

The most frequent issue that anyone can experience is extreme heat and how to Undervolt GPU.

High temperatures’ adverse effects include thermal throttling, overheating, lag, frequent shutdowns, and a shorter GPU lifespan.

The following question naturally arises. What should we do to stop this from happening?

You can start to undervolt GPU as a surefire and most straightforward way to avoid this. This is more complicated than it seems and is safe. 

When you undervolt GPU, its thermals can be significantly improved while its performance is kept at a high level.

Additionally, less electricity is required, less heat is generated overall, and perhaps a longer lifespan.

  In our piece here, we recently outlined the reasons why you should (or shouldn’t!) consider this. Generally, it’s a secure procedure that shouldn’t damage your hardware.

What’s the GPU Undervolt?

Many refer to limiting the power that your graphic card uses as undervolting or underclocking.

Most manufacturers release the factory overclocked OC version of their graphics cards.

These cards constantly operate at a high voltage. Most of the time, significant power usage, which might generate a lot of heat, may not be necessary.

Undervolting reduces and regulates the temperature limits to tolerable ranges without sacrificing significant performance. 

This will improve the performance of your computer and enhance the likelihood that your GPU will last longer.

Overclocking And Undervolting? How Do They Differ?

Overclocking and undervolting are two different but related concepts. As their name implies, they control the strength and speed of your component, and in this conversation, we’re referring to GPUs.

As I indicated above, undervolting enables you to purposefully lower your GPU’s voltage intake with the primary goal of reducing the heat and extending the GPU lifespan. 

The complete opposite, known as overclocking, involves adjusting your GPU’s clock speed. Today’s GPUs are designed with some leeway for potential future overclocking. 

GPUs are locked at base clock speeds, and the only way to increase them is manually using recommended software.

In this situation, overclocking can increase power utilization and more heat generation than typical. Still, you will experience a significant performance boost. 

Undervolting reduces power consumption and heating. When overclocking your GPU, it is advised that you go cautiously and take safety measures.

Suppose you intend to utilize your GPU for extended periods. In that case, appropriate ventilation is necessary to combat the detrimental consequences of overclocking.

How do this GPU Undervolt function?

Undervolting, as the name suggests, is keeping your GPU’s stock clock speed but lowering its voltage. On the other hand, clock speeds are raised during overclocking. 

However, there are situations when people can enhance, decrease, or even maintain stock speed while overclocking. 

They are related because it is common to practice overclocking the GPU while undervolting.

A better justification may be that if your GPU requires one volt to maintain, say, 1750 MHz, you force the graphic card to run at.95 volts instead to consume less power and produce less heat.

How to Undervolt GPU?

The only manufacturers of GPUs on the market are Nvidia and AMD. There is nothing but a fierce rivalry between these two.

They differ significantly from others in terms of architecture, build, and features. 

They provide a massive selection of features and software for various demands.

You must undervolt your Nvidia graphics card by following particular instructions that are specifically valid for Nvidia GPUs. 

In this regard, AMD GPUs differ. We will talk about how they both use distinct strategies right now.

How Should Your Nvidia GPU Be Undervolted?

Before reading this article in detail, you should know a few things. Only graphics cards in series 10xx and up can be undervolted. 

You cannot undervolt at a voltage lower than that. Each card is unique and has its assortment of components, required voltage, and required clock rates. As a result, their undervolting limit differs.

Install the software once you are confident that you are prepared to travel. MSI Afterburner is the ideal option in this situation. A user interface will appear when you launch the software. 

To access the frequency curve table, simultaneously press CTRL + F. A complicated-looking chart with numerous pointers forming a curve will be in front of you. 

You will utilize this editor for frequency and performance/curve when undervolting.

You must adjust these nodes to find your GPU’s sweet spot, but first, you must identify the voltage your GPU operates constantly. 

You can run a high-end game with high graphics to determine the maximum point in your curve that your GPU reaches under a heavy load. 

The point at which the curve will be decreased to the lower axis needs to be determined.

All left to do is manually select every node in the graph that follows 1100 mv and turn the volume down by 100 mv.

You are reducing from 1200mv to 1100mv in this situation. Choose all the nodes and delicately lower them till they intersect the 1100 mv X-axis at 1800 MHz.

If the performance is still satisfactory, you can now reduce the voltage by 50 MHz and rerun the test to determine whether the new power level is suitable.

Up until you encounter any significant problems, keep making adjustments. You can raise the voltage till your GPU is steady enough if gaming performance fluctuates or your computer crashes. 

It all comes down to trial and error. Adjust these parameters as necessary until you achieve that stable setting.

How Can An AMD GPU Be Undervolted?

Compared to Nvidia GPUs, AMD GPUs are relatively simple to undervolt. Adrenaline drivers, which AMD uses, provide all the equipment required for undervolting. 

Use the user interface without downloading any additional software from a third party because it is simple and user-friendly.

You can see RADEON WATTMAN if you open your adrenaline software. This is the primary feature you’ll employ to undervolt your AMD GPU. You can open this program by right-clicking anywhere on the desktop and choosing the Radeon control panel.

The gaming tab is located in the top left corner of that page. The global settings and global Wattman should then be selected. On our AMD card, we are utilizing this capability.

Identical to what you performed with Nvidia, the procedure is similar. We must first determine the ideal voltage and clock speed before making any decisions. 

While you test your GPU under solid demand, you can leave this program open in the background.

For stress testing GPUs, software such as furmark is helpful. You can let it run for ten minutes while simultaneously watching the graph. 

You can see the average temperature, voltage, and clock speed on the Radeon WattMan panel’s left side. Take note of the peak moment for those statistics.

Stepwise guide to Undervolt GPU:

Use MSI Afterburner, the most well-known and versatile graphics card tool, to undervolt an NVIDIA graphics card. 

It is a free, all-in-one software package for underclocking, benchmarking, undervolting, monitoring, and overclocking graphics cards. Let’s examine the whole procedure now using the steps listed below:

Activate the Heaven Benchmark

Run the test in windowed mode using the default settings. This enables the GPU to operate at its highest stable core clock speed when used for graphically demanding activities like gaming.

Activate the MSI Afterburner Utility

Run MSI Afterburner to overclock the GPU, and pay close attention to the readout for the GPU clock speed that appears at the top. The NVIDIA RTX 3070 in our test set its core clock speed to 1905MHz. Note the clock speed that your GPU stabilizes at after operating for 10 to 15 minutes.

Investigate the Voltage/Frequency Curve

To open the MSI Afterburner utility’s Curve Editor, press CTRL + F. Note the GPU core clock frequency (vertical or Y-axis values) at the point on the right side of the screen when the curve ends. In the screenshot below, this is marked in red.

In our case, the curve peaks between 1150mV and 1250mV at roughly 1950MHz. Most current NVIDIA GPUs have a sweet spot frequency of around 1800MHz. We intend to change the frequency/voltage curve so that it peaks at 1800MHz, as shown by the green line.

Reduce the calculated value by the GPU core clock speed

Hit the Enter key after entering this estimated number in the Core Clock field of the main MSI Afterburner program. This should bring the GPU core clock frequency curve down to the targeted 1800MHz range.

Maximum GPU Voltage Threshold Set

Here, we want to lower GPU voltage without sacrificing system stability. The graph in the adjacent reveals that the NVIDIA RTX 3070’s maximum voltage is 1085 mV. You should be able to run your graphics card at a substantially lower voltage without any problems, depending on the caliber of the silicon on the card.

Instead of further optimizing the GPU operational voltage, it is wiser to start at a cautious voltage of 950 mV for your initial effort and ensure that the system is stable. We decided to get things started by lowering the GPU voltage to 900mV.

It is a good idea to deviate one or two octaves from the desired frequency to improve system stability.

Put the New Voltage Curve to use

To apply the new voltage curve, choose the checkbox in the main MSI Afterburner utility window. Because of this, the frequency/voltage curve will become flat beyond 900 mV.

A stability test for the GPU

Running a graphics card-specific stress test with a low tolerance for system instability is the best way to verify the GPU undervolt. The benchmark that works best for this is 3D Mark Time Spy Extreme. Select the Time Spy Extreme Stress Test option, and while it’s running, keep an eye out for any graphical issues.

Run the 3D Mark Port Royal stress test if you have a contemporary GPU capable of ray tracing. It is a crucial tool for GPUs with ray-tracing capability because it is designed to push the ray-tracing ASIC cores to their absolute limit.

If your GPU is suffering from a lack of voltage, this will either show up as a graphical problem or result in an error during the benchmark. In the worst situation, your operating system might crash, but your hardware won’t be harmed by the lack of power.

If you run into problems like these, go back to Step 5 and raise the voltage by 25 mV. For instance, if 900mV led to system instability or graphical problems, we would raise our GPU voltage to 925mV.

Further cut the GPU voltage

Suppose your GPU can withstand 900mV without issue, on the other hand. In that case, you should repeat Step 5 with the GPU voltage adjusted to 875mV, followed by another round of stress testing. Revert to the last stable voltage after identifying your GPU’s point of failure, then do comprehensive testing using demanding games.

Before verifying these settings, play your favorite games for a couple of hours, at the very least. Save the underclock to one of the five pre-configured Afterburner profiles once you are happy. 

At system startup, clicking the Windows icon automatically applies the undervolt. In this manner, you can take advantage of the GPU underfoot without keeping MSI Afterburner open.

Additional Tips

HWiNFO can track your graphics card

While AMD Radeon Wattman and MSI Afterburner offer generic GPU data, HWiNFO is a good tool for real-time GPU monitoring.

Many details about your system will be presented to you when you install and execute the program. Real-time GPU clock speed and other graphics card details are displayed in the top-right corner.

Monitoring interface for HWiNFO

Run a game and note the frequencies your card hits to obtain the precise numbers required for undervolting. Pick the maximum value it can produce. You can use this application to determine whether your undervolting was successful by running it concurrently with the benchmark or game and comparing the frequencies.

How do I Undervolt my GPU in the afterburner?

Downloading MSI Afterburner is the first step you must take. You can monitor and overclock your GPU with this free software.

Launch the Heaven Benchmark

Launch the benchmark in windowed mode using the default options. When running the benchmark in windowed mode, the GPU’s maximum stable core clock speed can be attained while utilizing graphics-intensive programs like games.

Launch MSI Afterburner

Pay close attention to the GPU clock speed at the top of the MSI Afterburner. The NVIDIA RTX 3070, in our instance, maintained a core clock speed of 1905MHz. Take note of your GPU’s clock speed after operating for 10 to 15 minutes.

The voltage/frequency curve should be examined

Press CTRL + F while MSI Afterburner is active to launch the Curve Editor. The GPU core clock frequency (vertical or Y-axis values) has been marked red in the following screenshot, so take note of it there. The curve terminates on the right side of the screen.

In the example above, between voltages ranging from 1150 mV to 1250 mV, the curve achieves a high of 1950 MHz. Modern NVIDIA GPUs work best, on average, at a frequency of 1800MHz. 

As indicated by the green line, we intend to change the frequency/voltage curve so that its peak occurs at 1800MHz.

Crank down the GPU core speed to the calculated value

In the Core Clock section of the MSI Afterburner main program, type the theoretical speed and press Enter. In this instance, the GPU core clock frequency curve should be decreased to 1800MHz.

A GPU voltage threshold should be set for maximum performance

Our GPU voltage reduction strategy aims to minimize GPU voltage while maintaining system stability. The image above shows NVIDIA RTX 3070’s maximum voltage as 1085mV. 

Depending on the caliber of the chip in your graphics card, you ought to run it at a substantially lower voltage without experiencing any issues.

Before raising the GPU operational voltage higher, it’s best to set your ASIC miner’s initial voltage to 950mV and test the system for stability. Starting, we decided to lower the GPU voltage to 900mV.

The New Voltage Curve is set

Click the checkmark icon in the MSI Afterburner main window to apply the revised voltage curve. The frequency/voltage curve will become flat above 900mV. 

Altering the Curve readout to display instead of GPU clock frequency offset will allow you to verify this.

A stability test for the GPU

A graphics card-specific stress test with a low tolerance for system instability is the simplest way to confirm the GPU undervolt. The benchmark that works best for this is 3D Mark Time Spy Extreme. Keep an eye out for odd graphics while it runs.

You’ll either have graphical issues, or the benchmark will fail if your GPU cannot gather enough power. In the worst situation, your operating system could malfunction, but no hardware harm would result.

Repeat Step 5 while increasing the voltage by 25mV each time if you encounter any issues. 

For instance, we would increase our GPU voltage to 925mV if 900mV led to system instability or graphics issues.

Is it good to Undervolt a GPU?

Most gamers are addicted, and their sessions frequently last for many hours. You’ll want your GPU to run as coolly as feasible.

If you use your GPU under a strong load for several hours, it could begin to overheat. In the long term, undervolting can keep your GPU operating at a lower temperature, which is good for your PC.

A wonderful way to lower the power, heat, and noise your system produces is to undervolt it. Additionally, you’ll frequently be able to keep the clock performance at the same level or higher. 

Additionally, this allows it to house powerful GPUs in more compact cases.

Should I Undervolt my GPU or overclock?

A wonderful way to lower the power, heat, and noise your system produces is to undervolt it. Additionally, you’ll frequently be able to keep the clock performance at the same level or higher. 

Additionally, this allows it to house powerful GPUs in more compact cases. The disadvantage of undervolting the GPU is negligible. It is typical and secure behavior among lots of users.

But you try to accomplish this without any assistance or fundamental understanding. In that case, you can undervolt it too much, making your GPU crash and, in certain situations, even kill it. Before tinkering with GPU performance, always seek advice from an expert or read the manual.

Does undervolting reduce FPS?

Average FPS can be decreased by underclocking but not by undervolting. Undervolting entails slightly reducing voltage frequency without altering your GPU’s clock speed.

A typical cause of poor frame rates is instability, which can be brought on by excessive undervolting. Undervolting your GPU can be wise if done carefully, and you can do so without sacrificing your frame rate.

FAQ

Conclusion

Undervolting is a form of fine art with a fair dose of science. It’s up to you to determine what finally works best, given that the precise ingredients for your ideal sweet spot will differ depending on GPU. 

However, the proverbial proof is in the eating: the tests and statistics above can help you determine how effective your undervolting attempts have been.

Please be aware that there is always a chance of breaking your hardware, even if overclocking and undervolting can make your system operate better. Take care and do so at your own risk as you progress.